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Howard County Minimum Wage (2026)
$16.00 per hour · County ordinance effective 2026-07-01 +$1.00 vs MD state
At a glance
| Current rate | $16.00/hour |
| Effective date | 2026-07-01 |
| Full-time annual | $33,280 |
| Maryland state rate | $15.00 (local is higher — local applies) |
| Small employer rate | $16.00/hour |
Employer rules
Large employers: $16.00 (since Jan 1, 2025). Small employers (14 or fewer employees, or 501(c)(3), or certain home-health/Medicaid providers, or food service): $15.50 from Jan 1, 2026, rising to $16.00 on Jul 1, 2026. CPI-U adjustments from Jan 2027.
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in Howard County?
$16.00 per hour since 2026-07-01. This is higher than the MD state minimum ($15.00), so the local rate applies for work performed in Howard County.
Does the Howard County rate apply to all employers?
Smaller employers may have a lower tier ($16.00/hr). See employer rules above.
Which applies if city and state rates differ?
Employers must pay the highest of federal, state, and local rates for work performed in that jurisdiction.
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Official source: howardcountymd.gov/finance/minimum-wage · Compare Maryland state rate → · Verified 2026-09-15